Category: stem cell

I have recently come across two very different types of organizations, (non-profit) that have left an impression on me. One works in the field of education of children with dyslexia and the other is a donor registry for blood stem cells.

Sprouts

On my visit to Nagpur this summer, I was invited to a very different kind of school. With the ratio of 1:1 for a child to a teacher, this school is unique. Situated on large grounds in a prime property right in the centre of the city, I noticed parents sitting patiently, some talking on the phone, some reading and then some others just idling. In all their eyes though, I noticed a love for their children- a love that made them bring their children to this special school.

Curtained partitions separated the different classrooms and the walls were brightly coloured and adorned with different learning materials. The school had a sand-pit and a playing room, gym area with props and even a small zoo with different birds.

The biggest USP of this school is that it is completely FREE. Yes, you read right. There are no fees here. Most of the teachers here are volunteers. Remember the iconic movie ‘Taare Zameen Par’ and how we all instantly connected with the ‘day-dreamer’ Ishaan? That was perhaps the first time that dyslexia was highlighted in India.

Dr. Nisreeen Maimoon, Director and Dr. Sofia H Azad, Professor of Occupational therapy school and centre GMCH, Nagpur run the program at Sprouts. Their mission is to provide a unique centre to our society and it is run by a team of skilled multi-speciality faculty that is efficient in nurturing young minds and enabling them to discover and manifest their inherent skills through an education best suited to them.

The activities at this centre include Occupational therapy, Speech therapy, Special education and Counselling. Considering each student to be a unique entity, they develop individualized educational plans along with sensory-motor therapy and counselling.

Counselling forms a major part of intervention for parents as well as students. They conduct regular workshops at different schools highlighting dyslexia and other learning disabilities and urge teachers as well as parents to recognise problem areas in children as early as possible, so that they can be tutored keeping their special needs in mind.

Dr Maimoon says that learning disabilities and dyslexia cannot be corrected, but they can help a child develop coping skills, so they can have a normal learning experience at school and can mingle easily in the society.

It is heart-warming to know that there are selfless people like Dr Maimoon and her team who are highlighting this issue and lending a helping hand to many ‘mis-understood’ children.

Find out if someone you know needs help by answering this simple questionnaire.

Sprouts Resource and Remedial Centre is run by ‘Sk Asgharali Hasanali Maimoon charitable trust’ and comes under the project for ‘Dyslexia Management’ in the name of Late Mrs. Khadija Maimoon. Helplines: +91 9823060144/+91 9823320938

Blood Stem Cell Registry

We usually wake up to medical emergencies when something happens to us or to someone close to us. For me, the eye opener was when my dear cousin fell seriously ill. As the case maybe, a mad rush for matching donors or treatment options ensues. And also, instant searches on Google.

As infections and accidents increase, blood banks and organ donation drives have also increased and help in giving a new lease of life to many in need. Blood donation camps are rampant and large numbers of citizens turn up to donate their blood. It is lesser, but same with volunteering for donation of corneas for eyes and registering for other organs.

A not so new, but a lesser known type of donation, is that of BLOOD STEM CELLS. This is used for treating patients with Lymphoma, Thalassemia and Leukaemia. According to data, there is only a 25% chance that a genetic match can be found in one’s own family. This makes, a blood stem cell donor registry that much more valuable as cases of cancer are on the rise and treatment is still limited.

Recently, a blood stem cell donation camp was organized at Waltair Club in my home town, Vizag (Ah Vizaaag!). I am happy to be 1 of the 217 willing donors who registered by giving a cheek swab sample in the hope that I can be a genetic match for someone in need. In case of a suitable match, the donors will be contacted and they can choose to donate by simple out-patient procedures.

Increasing the registry of such facilities works 2 ways- not just for being there for someone, but it also expands our own chances at treatment, if ever need be. Let’s not wait for our own emergencies to wake us up.

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